The Girramay People have today become recognised native title holders of around 475 ha in north Queensland as a key part of a broad agreement package with the Queensland Government and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council.
This morning at Cardwell the Federal Court of Australia made a consent determination recognising the Girramay People’s non-exclusive native title rights and interests over 16 parcels of Unallocated State Land from Cardwell to Bilyana and Murray Upper area, 185 km south of Cairns.
The consent determination finalises the Girramay People’s native title claim, lodged in 1997. The Court has recognised their non-exclusive rights to hunt, fish, camp, gather and exchange plant and animal resources, conduct ceremonies and meetings, protect significant sites and be buried in the area.
Today’s outcome follows negotiations between the Girramay People and groups with interests in their claimed area, including the Queensland Government, Cassowary Coast Regional Council (previously Cardwell Shire Council), Cardwell Shire River Improvement Trust and Ergon Energy.
With the National Native Title Tribunal’s mediation assistance the groups reached agreement that the Girramay People are the native title holders of the claimed area and decided how their respective rights and interests would be carried out.
National Native Title Tribunal Member, Graham Fletcher, said the Native Title Act provided opportunities for parties to negotiate broad settlement packages to accompany determinations of native title.
“The parties demonstrated perseverance in resolving issues associated with this area by agreement rather than litigation. They also agreed about broader issues and reciprocal benefits over additional areas of land, involving negotiations with the Queensland Government and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, so they are now clear about both their respective legal rights and their future practical day-to-day relationships,” he said.
“It’s been a lengthy process but the parties have carefully considered the issues, cultivating trust and understanding of one another’s perspectives. They can now get on with their lives knowing that their rights are recognised and protected.”